principles of human nutrition Flashcards
what is catabolism
provides energy from nutrients for the body
what is anabolism
provides energy storage so the body has enough storage
what are nutrients needed for
survival, growth and reproduction. they are divided into 6 categories:
- sugars
- proteins
- minerals
- fats
- vitamins
- water
what is the difference between micronutrients and macronutrients
macronutrients are consumed in large quantities whereas micronutrients are elements required in small amounts.
macronutrients are used to generate energy, growth and repair. Whereas micronutrients are important in human metabolism
macronutrients are carbs, proteins, lipid and water whereas micronutrients often act as coenzymes and cofactors
what is the difference between essential and non-essential nutrients
essential nutrients are required for normal physiological functions.
Essential nutrients must be obtained from the diet whereas non-essential nutrients are obtained from food and synthesised through metabolic reactions.
essential nutrients maintain homeostasis
describe the different protein structures
primary is a sequence of amino acids.
Secondary is an arrangement of protein chains
tertiary is the folding of the chains into a globular shape
quaternary more than one chain for example haemoglobin
describe the catabolism of carbs, lipids and proteins
Step 1: digestion of sugars, lipids and proteins. Digestion of macromolecules into their monomer units
Step 2: further degradation of below leading to pyruvate and acetylCoA.
Step 3: Kreb’s cycle in mitochondria
- Main ATP production site
- Oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport train
describe what glycogenesis, lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis
Glycogenesis: synthesis of glycogen from glucose units. Occurs mostly in the liver
lipogenesis: synthesis of triglycerides by combining fatty acids and glycerol. Occurs in white adipose tissue
gluconeogenesis: production of glucose from endogenous metabolites. Occurs when glucose levels are low
